November 9, 1924 (Norwalk, CT) – May 29, 1944; 19 years old
Unmarried
Last local address: 24 Cross Street, Norwalk
Enlisted on March 3, 1943
Service number: 31326746
Unit: 34th Infantry Division, 168th Infantry Regiment
Born to William R. Brown (1866-) and Ursula Zelinksi Brown (1891-1944). Brothers Albert Milford (1917-1968) and James D. [USMC] (1922-2000). Sisters, Helen Brown Usingser (1913-1996), and Marie E. Brown Kish (1923-1992). Eugene’s mother died two weeks before PFC Brown.
Killed in Italy during the invasion of Rome. Same unit as Norwalk resident Pvt Michael Abruscato who was Killed In Action on April 18, 1945, and is interred in Florence American Cemetery in Italy.
From the Connecticut Military Portrait Collection, Connecticut State Library, Identifier: PG570; used with permission
From The Norwalk Hour June 21, 1944
PFC Eugene Brown of 24 Cross Street is missing in action in Italy according to a telegram received yesterday by his sister, Mrs. Helen Usinger of Milford, from the War Department. He has been missing since May 29. PFC Brown entered the Army in April 1943 and trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina. He has been overseas since last September. Two weeks ago PFC Brown’s mother, Mrs. Ursula Brown, died. His brother James D. Brown is with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific and the Red Cross was unable to contact him through regular channels to inform him of his mother’s death. Another brother, Albert, lives in Milford.
From The Norwalk Hour July 21, 1944
A Norwalk soldier, previously listed as missing, is now known to be dead. The soldier, previously missing, is PFC Eugene Brown of 24 Cross Street. His sister, Mrs. Helen Usinger of Milford received a telegram from the War Department saying he had been killed May 29 in Italy. His brother, PFC James D. Brown who is in the Marines, took part in the landing at Saipan, and he came through the campaign without injury. A mass for PFC Eugene Brown will be said at 8 a.m. Monday in St. Mary’s Church.
From The Norwalk Hour October 3, 1944
Mrs. Emil Usinger of Milford has received the Purple Heart, awarded to her brother, PFC Eugene R. Brown of the 168th Infantry for his heroic action in the invasion of Rome, in which battle he was killed on May 29. PFC Brown was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William R. Brown, formerly of 24 Cross Street. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Parochial School and attended Norwalk High School.
Private Brown was originally interred in Italy and was later repatriated here on August 17, 1948. Eugene is buried in Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, New York’ Section H, Site 8832. Photo by webmaster.
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